I am strongly convinced that my ds9 is somewhat dyslectic. I would like for him to be tested. What is the process of doing it through your local public school? What should I expect? What kind of help would I be offered afterwords? We live in Missouri.

It is my understanding that dyslexia is a medical diagnosis. The school system can test for a wider umbrella called learning disability but that a doctor must diagnose dyslexia specifically. But that is as far as my knowledge goes... and that may only apply to Tennessee law._________________Mom to John (8yo) and Hanna (19mo)

Under IDEA 2004, the school district where a private school is located is responsible for conducting the evaluation - not the district where the student lives. If you are home-schooling from your home, then your local school is responsible. If you have your child in a homeschool program in a different attendance area, then the school where that program is located is responsible for testing.

You should start by going to the school district website to find out who you need to contact, then follow their directions.

If you can't find that out easily, then you can send a written request for evaluation to the school principal or the district's special education director. Be sure that you document each of your concerns in the letter so that all suspected disabilities will be assessed. Don't forget to keep a copy of the letter and any attachments for your files, and if you send it with delivery confirmation, they can't say they never got it. You can also follow up any written requests with an email if the website has provided an email address for the person you've sent the request to.

we believe our almost 10 year old has forms of dyslexia---the school district here says they will tests for special needs, to see how they learn etc (which we already know--visual) so we opted out of the test with them. Especially since we are homeschooling---i'm looking for other options on it besides the school district--they are the reason why we are homeschooling in the first place!

As a tutor I find many children are misdiagnosed as having dyslexia, ADD and other learning abilities (even by doctors).

Hands on learners, active children who are under stress (because the structure in the school system does not allow them to release energy, and sometimes diet), children who's learning time clock do not fit the one size fits all approach used in the public school system, ext are often misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit, Dyslexic and other learning disabilities.

Here are some articles that will help you greatly in deciding what your course of action will be. I recommend medication as a last resort.